The Tennessee Valley Authority has teamed up with Kairos Power and Google in a groundbreaking deal to supply clean energy from an advanced nuclear reactor. This agreement, announced on August 18, 2025, will provide up to 50 megawatts of power to fuel Google data centers in Tennessee and Alabama starting in 2030.
Details of the Landmark Agreement
The deal marks a first for a U.S. utility buying power from a next-generation nuclear reactor. TVA, the nation’s largest public utility, will purchase electricity from the Hermes 2 reactor in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
This setup will support data centers in Montgomery County, Tennessee, and Jackson County, Alabama. Google gains clean energy credits to meet its sustainability goals.
The partnership stems from a prior agreement between Google and Kairos Power to develop 500 megawatts of advanced nuclear capacity. Hermes 2 is the initial project under that plan.
It addresses the surging energy needs driven by artificial intelligence and data processing. Tech giants like Google face massive power demands as AI expands.
Why Tech Giants Turn to Nuclear Energy
Data centers consume huge amounts of electricity, and AI growth pushes demand even higher. Experts predict U.S. data center power use could double by 2030.
Nuclear power offers reliable, carbon-free energy around the clock. Unlike solar or wind, it runs steadily without weather dependence.
Recent events highlight this shift. In July 2025, President Donald Trump unveiled a plan to boost AI infrastructure with new data centers nationwide. He also signed orders in May 2025 to speed up nuclear development.
Google aims for net-zero emissions, and this deal helps. Amanda Peterson Corio, Google’s global head of data center energy, noted it accelerates innovative tech while supporting the digital economy.
Other companies follow suit. Microsoft and Amazon have explored nuclear options for their facilities.
Inside the Hermes 2 Reactor Technology
Hermes 2 uses fluoride salt-cooled, high-temperature reactor technology. It employs molten salt as a coolant, which is safer and more efficient than traditional water-based systems.
This design reduces risks and cuts costs. Kairos Power developed it to meet modern energy challenges.
A test version, Hermes, is already under construction in Oak Ridge but does not generate power. Hermes 2 builds on that to produce electricity.
Key features include:
- Small modular design for faster building and scalability.
- Low-power output ideal for targeted needs like data centers.
- Advanced safety measures to prevent meltdowns.
The reactor will connect to TVA’s grid, ensuring stable supply.
Economic and Regional Impact
The project brings jobs and investment to Oak Ridge, a historic nuclear hub. Construction started in 2025, creating hundreds of positions in engineering and operations.
Tennessee and Alabama benefit from boosted economies. Google data centers already employ thousands and drive local growth.
This deal supports TVA’s goal to add 10,000 megawatts of new capacity by 2035. It mixes nuclear with renewables for a balanced grid.
Communities gain from cleaner air and reliable power. Oak Ridge’s legacy in nuclear research makes it a perfect site.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Oak Ridge, Tennessee |
| Capacity | Up to 50 MW |
| Start Date | 2030 |
| Beneficiaries | Google data centers in TN and AL |
| Technology | Molten salt-cooled reactor |
| Key Partners | TVA, Kairos Power, Google |
Broader Implications for Energy Future
This agreement signals a revival in U.S. nuclear power. With energy demands rising 20 percent in the last five years due to tech, advanced reactors could fill gaps.
It sets a model for public-private partnerships. More utilities may follow TVA’s lead.
Challenges remain, like regulatory hurdles and public concerns over nuclear safety. Yet, innovations like Hermes 2 address these with better designs.
As AI transforms industries, deals like this ensure sustainable growth. Readers, share your thoughts on nuclear power for tech. What do you think about this shift? Comment below and spread the word.
